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David P. Duarte (Vancouver, WA) Mr. David P. Duarte, M.Ed. is a nationally recognized music educator, conductor, and classical saxophonist. He currently serves as Director of Bands at Washougal High School in Washougal, Washington and hosts the Culture Before Content podcast presented by Music for All and Yamaha. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The University of Arizona and a master’s degree from The University of New Mexico.
Mr. Duarte began his career teaching high school music in Arizona and later served as the Fine Arts and PE/Health Coordinator for Deer Valley Unified School District. Under his leadership, arts enrollment increased significantly, and his vision for equity in arts education helped expand opportunities across all grade levels. After retiring in 2019, he returned to the classroom as Director of Bands and Orchestra at Nashville School of the Arts before moving to Washington.
Throughout his career, Mr. Duarte’s ensembles have received Superior Ratings and national acclaim in marching, concert, and jazz. His Deer Valley Jazz Band earned top honors at the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Jazz Contest and performed at prestigious festivals including the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, the Midwest Clinic, and the Western International Band Clinic.
Mr. Duarte has taught a wide range of music courses, including band, choir, guitar, orchestra, theory, and humanities. His philosophy emphasizes aligning strengths with teaching roles, creating space for authentic leadership and meaningful growth. He has presented at national conferences, directed numerous honor bands, and been featured in Leader of the Band by Scott Lang. His many honors include Teacher of the Year, the OM Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Award, and Outstanding Jazz Educator from the National Band Association.